Cowboys Release Veteran Edge Rusher as Jadeveon Clowney Returns to Texans

The Dallas Cowboys have made another roster move ahead of the NFL season, releasing veteran edge rusher Payton Turner as former teammate Jadeveon Clowney heads back to the Houston Texans.

Dallas announced the release of Payton Turner, ending his brief stint with the team after he competed for a rotational role during training camp. The move comes as teams continue trimming their rosters ahead of the regular season.

Meanwhile, Jadeveon Clowney, who led the Cowboys with 8.5 sacks last season, has agreed to return to the Houston Texans on a one-year deal worth up to $8 million. The three-time Pro Bowler said the decision was driven by his desire to compete for a Super Bowl and finish his career where it began.

Clowney was originally selected No. 1 overall by the Texans in the 2014 NFL Draft and spent his first five NFL seasons in Houston before stops with Seattle, Tennessee, Cleveland, Baltimore, Carolina, and Dallas. His return adds experienced depth to a Texans defense already featuring stars Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.

For the Cowboys, the release of Turner opens additional opportunities for younger pass rushers as the team reshapes its defensive front heading into the 2026 season.